What are you flying in the interim?

[geraldmorrissey]

~~There are a whole host of inexpensive tailwheel aircraft you could buy to train in, from Taylorcraft to Kitfox, but any kind of ownership has all sorts of overhead like storage, inspection, and any maintenance that becomes necessary, plus insurance if you want to insure (liability is always a good idea, even if hull value isn't important to you.)


I don't see much difference between a certified airplane and a homebuilt. You have to store both (hanger or outdoors), insure both (the 150 is a very inexpensive airplane to insure), both need routine maintenance. It really cones down to how handy you are. If your building a Bearhawk your probably handy. The biggest issue for a certified aircraft owner is the annual inspection. I just finished my owner assisted annual and it cost about $350 including the cost of the AI and parts.. I do all my own maintenance and buy parts online. Parts are cheap and available and the plane is still supported by Cessna. I've got it down to a science. A Cessna 150 is the least expensive certified airplane you can own. I get a lot of flak from pilots that think a 150 is below them. Then I ask them what they own. Usually the response is "I rent". Then I turn and walk away with a smile. I wouldn't worry about tailwheel time until your Bearhawk is well down the road. When I get tired of building the Patrol, I can jump in the 150 and depressurize.
Cheers
Gerry
Patrol #30 Wings

[Chris In Milwaukee]

Thanks for your thoughts, Gerry. The Archer and Cutlass are cheap flying, and I don't own them and I have an exclusive lease on them (non-equity flying club). Since I don't pay for the annual, I reckon it's as good as it gets. Although that tailwheel fat ultralight still intrigues me...

[Zzz]

I don't see much difference between a certified airplane and a homebuilt.

Me neither, which is why I didn't make that distinction. I have to take issue with your recommendation to not worry about tailwheel time though. It's a major determining factor in insurance premiums, as well as something that is, like a musician instrument, easy to pick up but difficult to master. I'm aware of more than one fresh Bearhawk that's been ground looped.

[fixnflyr]

I am flying a Comanche 250. I also fly customers aircraft after maintenance. We are looking to sell the PA24-250 and buy a Twin Comanche for my son to build twin time in. If anyone knows of a Twin Comanche that is priced right and maybe needs a little TLC please let me know. We also buy and sell used aircraft and do major structural repair if anyone is interested.
I can't wait to get started on my Patrol #262, only 3 projects in front of it!
Thanks everyone,
Swaid
P.S. Check out my airstrip on Airnav, it's 2GA2

[Wayne Massey]

I’m flying a 1940 Aeronca Chief. It’s a yoke not a stick but you’ll get comfortable flying with adverse yaw. I found flying the Chief was perfect preparation for flying the Bearhawk and Patrol.